Is Social Media Safe for Kids Under 16

I have been over this so many times with my Mom.

Me: Mum, can I download TikTok? So many kids have it!

Mum: No Anya, it's not safe! Your're too young.

Me: But-

Mum: But it's okay! I have Instagram on my phone!

Over and over. That's why I wanted to make this blog post. What is the right age for it? Why is my Mum saying that it's not safe! Well, here's why.

Social media has inappropriate posts that aren’t for kids. On a social media platform like TikTok, an inappropriate post might reach the ‘For You’ page and then people watch it. According to raisingchildren.net, “One of the risks is your child being exposed to inappropriate or upsetting content like mean, aggressive, and violent comments or images'' (Social media benefits & risks: 9-15 years). This proves that social media has some upsetting posts and content that kids under the age of 16 should not see. In conclusion, social media does not hide inappropriate posts, and is not for kids under the age of 16 to see.

Social media is addictive and kids could get obsessed fast. According to addictioncenter.com, a new study by Harvard University says, “Self-disclosure on social networking sites lights up the same part of the brain that also ignites when taking an addictive substance” (What Is Social Media Addiction?).This example shows that getting addicted to technology is just like vaping which is terrible for you. Getting addicted to technology increases your vulnerability to get addicted to smoking, drinking and vaping later in life. Overall, social media is very addictive and kids under the age of 16 could get addicted very fast.

Social Media can let you post anything and that’s bad. Kids under the age of 16 could be really naive at that age and could use social media in the wrong ways. According to childnet.com, “I’ve seen kids doing the craziest things just because someone told them to try” (What are your kids are actually doing!). This is important because kids are doing insane things and that is dangerous.

So, to wrap it up, the perfect age for social media, is age 16 because it's inappropriate, obsessive, and for every age which is good and bad, but in this case, bad. Don't forget to leave a comment below telling me your thoughts on social media!